Where is the operating valve for a dry barrel fire hydrant located?

• A. In the bonnet
• B. In the hydrant stem
• C. In the base
• D. In the hydrant cap

Answer: (C)

In a dry barrel hydrant, the valve that controls water flow is located in the base of the hydrant. The operating mechanism up top (in the bonnet) is what moves the stem to raise or lower that valve. When you open the hydrant, the stem lifts the valve in the base to admit water into the hydrant barrel and out the outlets. When you close it, water in the barrel drains through the base drain so the above-ground portions stay dry and won’t freeze. That arrangement is why the operating valve is said to be in the base.